Action group meets to oppose eco homes near Market Drayton

Ashley Action Group was set up to fight plans for the new homes off Woodrow Way, Ashley, near Market Drayton.

It held a public meeting in St John the Baptist Church, Ashley, which David Swan, a resident from Woodrow Way who started the group, said went well.

He said: "The meeting went very well and there was a good turn out.

"As well as residents there were members of the parish and borough council.

"We used the meeting to get more information and also formulate our letters of opposition.

"We are now looking for wider support from the surrounding communities.

"This development is not suitable for the area."

Mr Swan said residents objected to the application due to access concerns.

He said: "The access to Ashley is down a single track which is very narrow in places and the entrance to this development will be through an existing cul-de-sac which has parked cars all along it. We are very very concerned.

"Also these houses will be very out of keeping for the area as they will be huge five bedroom properties.

"They won't fit in with the area and also a field designated as having special landscape value will be lost."

Beryl Stone, another resident of Woodrow Way, has also objected to the plans.

She said: "The access proposed via Woodrow Way is tiny, our drives are already too small and vehicles are parked in the road. Consequently re-cycling bins, ambulances, fire engines, super market deliveries all have problems accessing Woodrow Way.

"Charnes Road is the access from Woodrow Way which is a narrow country land built for horses and carriages and measures 11 ft and 50 feet long. Only one car can pass at a time and has no pavements.

"This application provides no affordable homes for our young people or people who cannot afford these very expensive houses."

The applicants, Marcus Machine and Tools Ltd, plan to build 12 sustainable, low carbon four and five bedroom homes.

A design and access statement states: "The proposed development provides public open space. The buildings are of high quality design that matches contemporary and sustainable features.

"The proposed dwellings will provide a variety of family sized dwellings within generous plots.

"The development of green field land will be counteracted by the high quality nature of the scheme, its environmental credentials and the mixture of dwellings provided.

"The scheme aims to maintain the character of the landscape by making minimal changes to levels within the site and proposes an extensive landscaping scheme.

"The initial briefing highlighted that the dwellings were to be of high architectural design quality that will enhance and add to the attractive nature of the village."

Anyone wanting to contact the action group should email ashleyaction@outlook.com